The Old South

Experience life in 19th-century Alabama as you visit historic districts and battle re-enactments throughout the state.

Day 1. Depart for Eutaw for a tour of Kirkwood, probably the most photographed antebellum home in Alabama. Then travel to the Cedar Street Square District in downtown Demopolis. Sample the Old South, plantation-style, with tours of Bluff Hall and Gaineswood.

Day 2. Depart hotel for Selma's Old Town Historic District. Tour Sturdivant Hall, a 10-room antebellum mansion. Visit historic Water Avenue, a restored 19th-century business district. The antebellum St. James Hotel opened in 1837, and the Old Depot Museum is nearby. Enjoy lunch in Selma, then depart for Montgomery.
Arrive at the State Capitol, restored to reflect the Civil War era. On the steps of the Capitol you can stand on the star marking the spot where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America. Just across the Capitol grounds you can also visit the First White House of the Confederacy. This was the home of Jefferson Davis while he lived in Montgomery. Visit the Alabama Governor's Mansion and stroll the grounds of the beautiful, historic home. Select from among many unique Alabama items at the mansion's gift shop. Tours of the mansion are offered at selected times.

Day 3. Depart for Eutaw. Tour the large Seth Lore & Irwinton Historic District and see a wonderful array of quaint cottages with gingerbread trim and majestic mansions. Greek Revival and Italianate architecture are some of the styles you will see. Tour Fendell Hall and see its impressive interior artwork. Visit Shorter Mansion, another of Alabama's most photographed homes.

Day 4. Depart for Dothan, a small Southern town that has reinvented itself for the group tour business. Along the route to Dothan stop at the Landmark Park for a Southern-themed agricultural tour. Admire the town's murals, painted on the brick sides of downtown buildings. It is a tour group stop that is different, free and enjoyable. Later that night, take in a unique Southern dinner-theater show, "Grits On The Side."

Civil War Batter Re-enactments

History comes alive again when costumed Confederate and Union "soldiers" re-enact historic Alabama battles. These re-enactments take place in various locations.

Blountsvile
Forrest-Streight Raid Re-enactment • Blountsville Historical Park • Usually held one weekend in late April/early May

Bridgeport
Siege of Bridgeport • Fourth weekend in March

Brierfield
Battle of Bibb Furnace • Brierfield Historical State Park • Third weekend in September

Decatur
September Skirmish • Point Mallard Park • Saturday & Sunday of Labor Day weekend, September

Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan Siege & Civil War Encampment • Fort Morgan, new Gulf Shores • Usually held first weekend in August

Selma
Battle of Selma Re-enactment • Batterfield Park • Usually held fourth weekend in April

Spanish Fort
Battle of Blakely Festival • Historic Blakeley State Park, north of Mobile • Usually held first weekend in April, odd years

Tallassee
Battle of Armory • Usually held second weekend in November

Tuscumbia
Belle Mont Plantation • Usually held second weekend in March

Valley Head
Battle of Long's Springs • Sequoyah Caverns & Campgrounds • Last weekend in April